Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary Certification

Do you enjoy attracting wildlife to your property? Do you maintain the four elements of habitat? Your property can become a Certified Illinois Audubon Society Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary.

To help get started, request a copy of “The Journey to Restore Native Habitat.” Click here to request a copy. Please include your mailing address.

Or download a copy of The Journey to Restore Habitat right now.

How to certify your backyard or property

Understand and maintain the four elements of habitat: FOOD, SHELTER, WATER, SPACE
Agree to use a minimal amount of chemicals
Help educate others on the importance of native habitat
Send in your application form and fee; $15 for Illinois Audubon Society members, $20 for non-members
Mail in the Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary Application form. (PDF) OR apply online using the form below.

Certified Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary Application

Name*
First Last
Email*
Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code
List an example of how you have provided each of the four components of habitat.*
Your yard must have plantings especially suited to attracting birds and butterflies and provide the four basic elements of habitat: Food, Shelter, Water and Space. This may include trees and shrubs to provide nesting cover for birds, berry-producing shrubs, flowers for hummingbirds and butterflies, plants grown specifically for bees and caterpillars. It may also include nest boxes if there is space, and should have a birdbath, small pond or other source of water.
List an example of how you have controlled exotic plants or weeds without the use of chemicals.*
You must agree to use a minimal amount of chemicals in maintaining your sanctuary. Many herbicides and pesticides are detrimental to birds, bees and butterflies, and can also be harmful to people and pets.
List an example of how you have used your yard to educate friends, neighbors, a group or organization.*
You must use your yard or grounds to educate other people about the importance of bird and butterfly plantings. This can take many forms--simply telling neighbors and visitors about the Illinois Audubon Society Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary Project and showing them the habitat improvements in your yard; giving a presentation to a group concerning the importance of backyard habitat and gardening with natives, or inviting them to view your yard.
Please list the plant species in your backyard/property below.*
A plant species list must be included. Certified backyard habitats should contain a significant number of native plantings.
Please check the appropriate boxes below. Leave blank if you do not agree with either statement.
- I grant permission to Illinois Audubon Society to use my photographs in print and social media promoting the program.
- The city/town where my Sanctuary is located may be listed (exact locations will never be publicized)
Please upload three photographs which clearly support examples of the four components of habitat in your backyard or grounds (jpg or png, 50MB or less). Please include at least one photo that features several of the native plants in your yard.*
Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, png, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 3.
Are you an Illinois Audubon Society member?*
- Yes
- No
Application Fee (Member)
Price:
Application Fee (Non-Member)
Price:
Credit Card*

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How to certify your backyard or property

Certified Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary Application

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